Mathieu van der Poel has discovered a new competitor in Quick-Step: “Competing in a sprint with a fresh opponent is really thrilling.”
Mathieu van der Poel began his season at Le Samyn, surprisingly, and secured an impressive victory in Dours to launch his 2025 season. Despite launching an early attack in the race, he believed that a sprint would give him his best chance, and in that moment, he surpassed Paul Magnier to claim victory. Nevertheless, he praises the Frenchman and has received numerous positive remarks about him.
“Paul remains quite young. The wattages he provided me were frightening. Tim Merlier mentioned that he frequently finished second in the sprint,” van der Poel told Wielerflits. “Racing against a new opponent is really exhilarating. Paul is youthful and just beginning his journey, yet he is already well-known by everyone.”
The Alpecin-Deceuninck cyclist took advantage of a challenging race and a steep sprint to surpass the Frenchman, yet Magnier’s results in the hilly events of recent weeks have been truly remarkable.
The Soudal – Quick-Step cyclist claimed victory in a hilltop sprint during the first stage of the Étoile de Bessèges and, along with Le Samyn, finished second in the Figueira Champions Classic and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad—events that particularly don’t favor conventional sprinters. In five race days, the 20-year-old has yet to finish off the podium this year.
Rising Star Paul Magnier Impresses the Peloton
Magnier’s rapid rise in the peloton has not gone unnoticed. At just 20 years old, his ability to consistently challenge seasoned professionals speaks volumes about his talent and potential. While he is still in the early stages of his career, his versatility in different race profiles has surprised many.
His podium finishes in both sprint and hilly classics have proven that he is not just a sprinter but a rider capable of competing in challenging one-day races. His success in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad was particularly impressive, given the cobbled climbs and harsh racing conditions that usually favor experienced classics specialists.
For Magnier, going toe-to-toe with a cyclist of van der Poel’s caliber is a huge learning experience. The young Frenchman has been open about his admiration for the Dutchman, but he is also eager to carve out his own path. With Soudal – Quick-Step backing him, he has the support needed to develop into one of the most dangerous riders in the peloton.
Van der Poel’s Season Strategy
For van der Poel, the 2025 season has started on a high note. While Le Samyn is not one of cycling’s major monuments, the Dutchman values every victory and sees it as a stepping stone toward bigger goals later in the season.
His decision to skip Omloop Het Nieuwsblad was not surprising. Over the years, van der Poel has structured his season carefully, ensuring that he peaks at the right moments. Traditionally, he avoids the Opening Weekend in favor of building his form for major classics like Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix.
“I’ve never competed in that classic, but I believe it is a race that would fit me quite well,” van der Poel said about Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. “I have competed in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne previously, but that’s another tale. Omloop is a challenging competition each year. However, that’s the essence of making decisions. Perhaps I’ll take part one day.”
Van der Poel’s meticulous planning has paid off in recent years. By prioritizing training blocks and targeting key races, he has built a reputation as one of the most dominant classics riders of his generation. His victories in Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix demonstrate the effectiveness of his approach.
What’s Next for Van der Poel?
One notable race missing from van der Poel’s schedule is Strade Bianche, a race that suits his characteristics as an explosive rider capable of handling gravel roads and steep climbs. Despite being a fan-favorite event, the Dutchman has opted to focus on Tirreno-Adriatico instead.
“I’ve experienced some effective training weeks and felt prepared to begin,” van der Poel said. “I feel quite content with my current situation. Ultimately, I have competed against several notable competitors. It may not be a monument, but I feel satisfied with every race I triumph in, including this one. Tirreno-Adriatico is another event that I enjoy participating in, and historically, it has shown to be the correct strategy for me.”
Tirreno-Adriatico is a crucial race in the lead-up to Milan-San Remo, offering a mix of flat, hilly, and mountainous stages that allow riders to fine-tune their form. For van der Poel, it provides the perfect opportunity to test his legs before tackling the first monument of the season.
The Road Ahead
With van der Poel securing his first win of the season and Magnier proving to be a rising star, the battle between the two could become one of the most exciting storylines of the year. The Dutchman, already a household name in cycling, is entering his prime, while Magnier is just beginning his journey at the top level.
If Magnier continues to develop at this pace, he could soon be a serious contender in the biggest classics on the calendar. Meanwhile, van der Poel remains focused on his own goals, aiming to add more prestigious victories to his already impressive palmarès.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on these two riders. Will Magnier continue his breakthrough and challenge van der Poel in the biggest races? Or will the Dutchman maintain his dominance and add more titles to his name?
One thing is certain: the 2025 cycling season is already shaping up to be an exciting one, with fresh rivalries emerging and established stars looking to defend their status.
